Venezuelan Economy
Strong
Caracas - Good news
about the economy and
the announcement of a
stepped up fight against
drug trafficking,
including the seizure of
over 54 tons of drugs in
2008, were the
highlights this past
week in Venezuela.
A report from the
Central Bank of
Venezuela (BCV) said the
Gross Domestic Product
grew 4.9 percent in
October-December, the
20th consecutive
increase.
This GDP increase was
accompanied by a 1.4
percent reduction in the
unemployment rate, which
reached, on average, 7.5
percent in the first
three quarters of the
year.
"It is an economic
growth with a marked
social emphasis,
oriented to address
poverty, promote equity
and widespread human
development," the BCV
said, wile recognizing a
27.6 percent inflation.
Regarding the fight
against drug
trafficking, Director
General of the National
Anti-Drug Office (ONA),
Col. Nestor Reverol,
announced tighter
control in areas
bordering Colombia,
including the
installation of
Chinese-made radars and
18 K-8 planes in the
first half of this year
to keep watch on the
whole Venezuelan
territory.
Other measures announced
by Col. Reverol include
five drug incineration
centres, three
criminalistic labs and
plans to control air
traffic in eastern
Venezuela.
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